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On a hot August morning in 1958, something extraordinary happened on a Harlem street. Fifty-seven jazz legends gathered on the stoop of 17 East 126th Street, not for a performance, but for a photograph that would become one of the most iconic images in American music history: A Great Day in Harlem. Captured by Art…
All photos by David Meerman Scott On September 23, 1980, Bob Marley, already a global icon and a beacon for reggae music, took the stage at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh for what would be his last live performance. The air was thick with anticipation as 3,500 fans packed the sold-out venue, but few knew…
“I’ve decided to start a new series. Even if you’re not a musician, perhaps it’ll give some insight into the nitty-gritty of the art of music-making, or inform your listening the next time you sit in front of your stereo, or just provide some entertainment and perhaps a life lesson or two.
Watkins Glen, New York—July 28, 1973. This date marks an unparalleled event in rock history. The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen wasn’t just a concert; it was a colossal phenomenon that shattered records and set new standards for music festivals. Promoted by Shelly Finkel and Jim Koplik, the festival attracted an estimated 600,000 to 800,000…
In the annals of rock history, few moments resonate as deeply as the summer of 1980 when AC/DC unleashed their thunderous masterpiece, “Back in Black.” This wasn’t just any album release; it was a seismic shift that redefined the band’s legacy and left an indelible mark on the world of rock ‘n’ roll. Rising from…
In January 1983, a now-iconic photograph was taken backstage at the Ritz in New York City. It featured Tina Turner, David Bowie, and Keith Richards, capturing a moment of musical camaraderie and mutual respect that symbolized a pivotal period in Turner’s career. The early 1980s were a challenging time for Tina Turner. After breaking free…
Before the Berlin Wall fell, it wasn’t just a physical barrier; it was a scar running through the heart of a divided city. For nearly three decades, it symbolized the ideological conflict between East and West, splitting families and friends, and casting a shadow over Berlin. Potsdamer Platz, the concert’s location, held heavy symbolism from…
The Vinyl Beat is a new column that will dig up notable vinyl nuggets, past and present.
On July 15, 1989, the historic and picturesque Venice Lagoon in Italy became the stage for one of the most iconic concerts in rock history. Pink Floyd, the legendary British rock band, performed a free concert that drew an estimated 200,000 people, with countless more tuning in to the live broadcast. This event is etched…
On July 13, 1973, the tectonic plates of rock music shifted dramatically. On that day, an unassuming yet audacious British band named Queen unleashed their self-titled debut album, “Queen.” This seismic release marked the genesis of a band destined to transcend the boundaries of rock, etching their indomitable legacy into the annals of music history.…
July 12, 1979, started like any other summer evening at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The White Sox were set for a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. But as night fell, baseball fans, rock aficionados, and disco haters converged in what would become one of the most infamous promotions in sports history—Disco Demolition Night. Orchestrated by…
On September 21, 1978, during Bruce Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town” tour, a memorable moment occurred at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey. This iconic night featured Bruce Springsteen riding on the shoulders of Clarence Clemons, an act that symbolized their profound camaraderie and the electrifying energy of their live performances. The…
The Rolling Stones’ inaugural U.S. tour in 1964 was a wild ride of rock ‘n’ roll chaos and cultural clashes. Here’s a deeper dive into the anecdotes and adventures that marked this historic tour, setting the stage for the band’s legendary status. The Flight That Almost Didn’t Happen Before the Stones could even set foot…
George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh was an unqualified success, and the first-ever pop concert for charity.
Michael Jackson’s Berlin Wall Concert: When Pop Met Politics In the annals of pop culture, Michael Jackson’s legacy is studded with iconic performances and groundbreaking achievements. Yet, one performance stands out not just for its musical brilliance but also for its geopolitical significance. On June 19, 1988, the King of Pop performed in West Berlin,…